HELP! Building my first Home Theater - Blu-ray Forum

lucaaugustus · 10-19-2008, 02:52 AM

After going through this website for a good period of time for the past two months. I am ready to start building a HT that will be future proof. I will be buying the receiver first then the speakers, as I've read everyone recommending to buy as I go. I will be having a budget of $600 for now but like I said I will be buying everything separate.

I will be hooking up XBOX 360/PS3/WII/TWC-HD/DVR receiver.

I've read about Onkyo/Yamaha receivers, Polk M 50/60/70 and CS1/CS2, Polk RM6750. I really need recommendations.

Thanks

UPDATE*

Thanks guys for your recommendations. I have a question. Lets say I get M50's for front L and R and a CS1 for center. Do I have to get M50's for rear speakers? If I get different speakers ill it make a difference?

At first my wife said its fine to build a HT. I showed her the speakers online and now she is saying if I can get smaller speakers since they are too big. I have no meaning of getting small speakers but if it comes to that what do guys recommend.

Thanks

BACsader · 10-19-2008, 03:03 AM

I have the Pioneer VSX-91TXH. I love it. I would seriously take a look at the VSX-1018AH-K Pioneer receiver. It has some of the best specs out there. 3 HDMI. 130per channel. What I think to be the best audio calibration out there and more. Unlike the Onkyos, this thing never gets hot to the touch so I am not worried about burning out internal components. The Yamaha v-663 is also a very good receiver. Look around. Have fun doing it.

aramis109 · 10-19-2008, 05:54 AM

Is your 360 an HDMI model?

Something to keep in mind with the Onkyos (and some of the other "entry" level receivers) is that upscaling may be an issue from component to HDMI. The 605/606 can only do 1080i, for example. I think the Yamaha 663 doesn't do any upconversion, though I could be wrong on that.

It's not a dealbreaker, as the TV can do the upconversion or you can hook the video directly to the TV, but it's something to be aware of.

I'd personally recommend the Onkyo 605/705/805, the Yamaha 663, and of course Pioneer, Marantz and Denon. You can't go wrong with those, though personally I'll always drop in the 605's refurbished price is about $250 or less right now- that's a steal.

crackinhedz · 10-19-2008, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aramis109

The 605/606 can only do 720p

the 606 can do 1080i upconversion, but if your TV is only 720p anyway there is no point.

aramis109 · 10-19-2008, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

the 606 can do 1080i upconversion, but if your TV is only 720p anyway there is no point.

Ah that's what it was. Sorry I had it backwards. (I have a 1080p set and just connect directly to it).

matthewrounds · 10-19-2008, 03:30 PM

Budget?

BACsader · 10-19-2008, 03:45 PM

The v-663 does upconvert, I am just not sure to what because it does not say on their website.

navyman · 10-19-2008, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aramis109

Is your 360 an HDMI model?

Something to keep in mind with the Onkyos (and some of the other "entry" level receivers) is that upscaling may be an issue from component to HDMI. The 605/606 can only do 1080i.

It is not really an issue. I have an older 360 and hence no hdmi connection so I just connected the 360 to the 606 via componant cables and an optical cable for the surround sound. Instead of having the 606 upconvert the signal to hdmi I just turn the tv to the componant signal and get the original 1080i signal. I would use the HDMI but the colors do not look right when they try to convert the 1080i singal to 1080i everything else I do use the upconversion feature for. The 606 is an amazing deal and it doesn't get any more future proof then this with 4 hdmi inputs and upconversions for around 400 dollars.

lucaaugustus · 10-20-2008, 03:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aramis109

Is your 360 an HDMI model?

Nope my model has no HDMI.

For budget I will have $600 but can probably do $750.

Driver_King · 10-20-2008, 04:10 AM

Look in my sig below to get some ideas.

model robot · 10-20-2008, 04:16 AM

I'm also interested in building my first home theater. Already bought the TV (46' Sony XBR6) ..bought it with a PS3 so i'm set for my blu-ray player as well. My only problem is that my room is 12 feet at its widest point and my tv is about 8 feet away from where i sit. So, I may just go with a sound bar option which triangulates sound...I guess it tricks your ears to thinking its a 5.1 sounds...idk.

In any case im not sure if it would be a logical choice to get a receiver, speakers, sub and so on. I'm trying to think what else I could get for a ht room (my bedroom)

krazeyeyez · 10-20-2008, 05:04 AM

i have been curious about those soundbars, just how much improvement can these have over the speakers already in say an xbr.

model robot · 10-20-2008, 05:15 AM

i checked the new sony one out and idk if it improved the sound very much but i was definitely getting a louder, more booming theater experience sound (sub that comes with it) but for a small room it would be very fitting and i think it was made for that purpose in mind. it sells for 300 but a friend is getting me one for 200 which i figure is a very fair price...ill let you know the results. hopefully good.

krazeyeyez · 10-20-2008, 05:30 AM

ahh i was unaware these came with a sub, i asked cause i know those sony's put out pretty impressive sound for built in speakers. LFE on the other hand, have fun

lucaaugustus · 10-22-2008, 04:34 PM

I was also looking into a soundbar as well but I want the full 5.1 experience.

Which speakers would you guys recommend me. I was looking into Klipsch RF-82's or Polk M-60's. I have been reading about these two brands but I can't seem to decide. Also can you guys let me now around how much do they run? What are the difference btween both?

Thanks

Lucy Diamond · 10-22-2008, 05:09 PM

Paradigm has a line of dipolar rear surrounds that might be able to suit you.

It can never hurt to have amazing rears, but it IS just ambient noise and flavor (for the most part) so actual size is not really going to kill you.

You may want to hold out for quality in the rear department if you are limited in size.

Small speakers can level you if you pick the right ones.

Good luck and enjoy.

aramis109 · 10-22-2008, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucaaugustus

I was also looking into a soundbar as well but I want the full 5.1 experience.

Which speakers would you guys recommend me. I was looking into Klipsch RF-82's or Polk M-60's. I have been reading about these two brands but I can't seem to decide. Also can you guys let me now around how much do they run? What are the difference btween both?

Thanks

Go listen to 'em. BB and CC both carry Polk and Klipsch I believe. Every BB has them set up.

Outside of that, go to a specialist store in your area and get a listen to some other brands. What is your budget? See if you can stretch it into something you may enjoy a bit more.

For me, the M-60's were my stretch. I had a pretty small budget. I love them personally. Bang for the buck was huge as I grabbed them for under $300 for the pair. I think they have a nice warm sound and a decent punch in the bass department. Watched Iron Man and The Hulk last night and was blown away by how much of it was coming from up front.

Klipsch use horns, and for some (myself included) their sound is more harsh in the highs. They can be very bright. Clarity is usually stellar on them but it may be too much for you. Give them a try- there are a lot of folks that love them.

Outside of that, the list gets long and expensive- B&W, Paradigm, Energy (great small speakers), Jamo, Totem... on and on.

DBlackGT · 10-22-2008, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aramis109

Go listen to 'em. BB and CC both carry Polk and Klipsch I believe. Every BB has them set up.

Outside of that, go to a specialist store in your area and get a listen to some other brands. What is your budget? See if you can stretch it into something you may enjoy a bit more.

For me, the M-60's were my stretch. I had a pretty small budget. I love them personally. Bang for the buck was huge as I grabbed them for under $300 for the pair. I think they have a nice warm sound and a decent punch in the bass department. Watched Iron Man and The Hulk last night and was blown away by how much of it was coming from up front.

Klipsch use horns, and for some (myself included) their sound is more harsh in the highs. They can be very bright. Clarity is usually stellar on them but it may be too much for you. Give them a try- there are a lot of folks that love them.

Outside of that, the list gets long and expensive- B&W, Paradigm, Energy (great small speakers), Jamo, Totem... on and on.

Yea hes right go listen to some other shops if you can. Paradigm offers excellent choices in speakers. Everything from $400 towers to $3500 towers. You can peice a very nice Paradigm system for a very affordable price. However I must say I own the new Klipsch Icon WF-35 and they sound like no other Klipsch speaker before. They use a new Horn technology so they are definitely not as bright and harsh. The horns and the woofers now blend seemlessly.

PanasonicPlasmaMan · 10-22-2008, 10:13 PM

$600-$750 I would say

Onkyo 606- $350
Polk 50- 4 of them $250
Polk CS1- $70
Polk Sub- $120

so $790 for a pretty sweet setup

or you can just get the Polk rm6750 and save $250

crackinhedz · 10-22-2008, 11:52 PM

Polk Monitor 60's (x2)

Polk CS1 (CS2 if you can swing it)

Klipsch Synergy SS.5 Rear Surround Speakers (Pair) x2

and save up for this bad boy:

Sticky: Elemental Designs A2-300 Review Thread

that would be a killer 7.1 setup...if only going for 5.1, just knock $100 off for the surrounds.

10-19-2008, 02:52 AM	#1
lucaaugustus Active Member Member since:Sep 2008 Location:L.A. Blu-ray collection:337 Trading Score:1	HELP! Building my first Home Theater After going through this website for a good period of time for the past two months. I am ready to start building a HT that will be future proof. I will be buying the receiver first then the speakers, as I've read everyone recommending to buy as I go. I will be having a budget of $600 for now but like I said I will be buying everything separate. I will be hooking up XBOX 360/PS3/WII/TWC-HD/DVR receiver. I've read about Onkyo/Yamaha receivers, Polk M 50/60/70 and CS1/CS2, Polk RM6750. I really need recommendations. Thanks UPDATE* Thanks guys for your recommendations. I have a question. Lets say I get M50's for front L and R and a CS1 for center. Do I have to get M50's for rear speakers? If I get different speakers ill it make a difference? At first my wife said its fine to build a HT. I showed her the speakers online and now she is saying if I can get smaller speakers since they are too big. I have no meaning of getting small speakers but if it comes to that what do guys recommend. Thanks Last edited by lucaaugustus; 10-20-2008 at 04:38 PM. Reason: UPDATE

10-19-2008, 05:54 AM	#3
aramis109 Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Mar 2008 Location:Milwaukee, WI Home Theater Gallery:10 4K collection:4 Blu-ray collection:360 Trading Score:18	Is your 360 an HDMI model? Something to keep in mind with the Onkyos (and some of the other "entry" level receivers) is that upscaling may be an issue from component to HDMI. The 605/606 can only do 1080i, for example. I think the Yamaha 663 doesn't do any upconversion, though I could be wrong on that. It's not a dealbreaker, as the TV can do the upconversion or you can hook the video directly to the TV, but it's something to be aware of. I'd personally recommend the Onkyo 605/705/805, the Yamaha 663, and of course Pioneer, Marantz and Denon. You can't go wrong with those, though personally I'll always drop in the 605's refurbished price is about $250 or less right now- that's a steal. Last edited by aramis109; 10-19-2008 at 03:54 PM. Reason: corrected per crackin, below. :)

10-22-2008, 05:09 PM	#16
Lucy Diamond Blu-ray Champion Top contributor Member since:Apr 2008 Location:The Tomb of Annihilation 4K collection:- Blu-ray collection:- DVD collection:- Digital collection:- Blu-ray reviews: 2 Trading Score:3	Smaller speakers if you must. Paradigm has a line of dipolar rear surrounds that might be able to suit you. It can never hurt to have amazing rears, but it IS just ambient noise and flavor (for the most part) so actual size is not really going to kill you. You may want to hold out for quality in the rear department if you are limited in size. Small speakers can level you if you pick the right ones. Good luck and enjoy.

10-22-2008, 11:52 PM	#20
crackinhedz Super Moderator Member since:Feb 2007 Home Theater Gallery:10 Blu-ray reviews:8 Trading Score:19	Polk Monitor 60's (x2) Polk CS1 (CS2 if you can swing it) Klipsch Synergy SS.5 Rear Surround Speakers (Pair) x2 and save up for this bad boy: Sticky: Elemental Designs A2-300 Review Thread that would be a killer 7.1 setup...if only going for 5.1, just knock $100 off for the surrounds. Last edited by crackinhedz; 10-22-2008 at 11:55 PM.

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10-19-2008, 03:03 AM	#2
BACsader Expert Member Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Cooper City FL Home Theater Gallery:29 Blu-ray collection:72 Blu-ray reviews:9 Trading Score:1	I have the Pioneer VSX-91TXH. I love it. I would seriously take a look at the VSX-1018AH-K Pioneer receiver. It has some of the best specs out there. 3 HDMI. 130per channel. What I think to be the best audio calibration out there and more. Unlike the Onkyos, this thing never gets hot to the touch so I am not worried about burning out internal components. The Yamaha v-663 is also a very good receiver. Look around. Have fun doing it.

10-19-2008, 03:30 PM	#6
matthewrounds Expert Member Member since:Apr 2007 Location:Tucson, AZ Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:52 Trading Score:21	Budget?

10-19-2008, 03:45 PM	#7
BACsader Expert Member Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Cooper City FL Home Theater Gallery:29 Blu-ray collection:72 Blu-ray reviews:9 Trading Score:1	The v-663 does upconvert, I am just not sure to what because it does not say on their website.

10-20-2008, 04:10 AM	#10
Driver_King Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Tampa Bay, Florida Home Theater Gallery:96 Blu-ray collection:28 Trading Score:10	Look in my sig below to get some ideas.

10-20-2008, 04:16 AM	#11
model robot Member Member since:Sep 2008 Location:delray beach, fl	I'm also interested in building my first home theater. Already bought the TV (46' Sony XBR6) ..bought it with a PS3 so i'm set for my blu-ray player as well. My only problem is that my room is 12 feet at its widest point and my tv is about 8 feet away from where i sit. So, I may just go with a sound bar option which triangulates sound...I guess it tricks your ears to thinking its a 5.1 sounds...idk. In any case im not sure if it would be a logical choice to get a receiver, speakers, sub and so on. I'm trying to think what else I could get for a ht room (my bedroom)

10-20-2008, 05:04 AM	#12
krazeyeyez Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Dec 2007 Location:the guy on the couch Home Theater Gallery:18 Blu-ray collection:287 Blu-ray reviews:4	i have been curious about those soundbars, just how much improvement can these have over the speakers already in say an xbr.

10-20-2008, 05:15 AM	#13
model robot Member Member since:Sep 2008 Location:delray beach, fl	i checked the new sony one out and idk if it improved the sound very much but i was definitely getting a louder, more booming theater experience sound (sub that comes with it) but for a small room it would be very fitting and i think it was made for that purpose in mind. it sells for 300 but a friend is getting me one for 200 which i figure is a very fair price...ill let you know the results. hopefully good.

10-20-2008, 05:30 AM	#14
krazeyeyez Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Dec 2007 Location:the guy on the couch Home Theater Gallery:18 Blu-ray collection:287 Blu-ray reviews:4	ahh i was unaware these came with a sub, i asked cause i know those sony's put out pretty impressive sound for built in speakers. LFE on the other hand, have fun

10-22-2008, 04:34 PM	#15
lucaaugustus Active Member Member since:Sep 2008 Location:L.A. Blu-ray collection:337 Trading Score:1	I was also looking into a soundbar as well but I want the full 5.1 experience. Which speakers would you guys recommend me. I was looking into Klipsch RF-82's or Polk M-60's. I have been reading about these two brands but I can't seem to decide. Also can you guys let me now around how much do they run? What are the difference btween both? Thanks

10-22-2008, 10:13 PM	#19
PanasonicPlasmaMan Special Member Member since:Jul 2008 Location:California Home Theater Gallery:14 Blu-ray collection:25 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:18	$600-$750 I would say Onkyo 606- $350 Polk 50- 4 of them $250 Polk CS1- $70 Polk Sub- $120 so $790 for a pretty sweet setup or you can just get the Polk rm6750 and save $250

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